The eruption of the largest volcano. The largest volcano.

Once volcanic eruptions were considered punishment of the gods. Today we know that eruptions are phenomena of exceptional natural character. That does not make the explosive effect less scary. Here is a list of volcanoes in the world that are considered the most dangerous.

Yellowstone Caldera, United States

The murmur of sulfur hot springs in Yellowstone National Park has long attracted tourists. The park is amazingly beautiful! But under the visual appeal of Yellowstone, there is a supervolcano, that is, a volcano that produces the most powerful and volcanic eruptions. This volcano can destroy the entire western part of the United States and change the course of human history. The first known eruption happened 2.1 million years ago, and it was 25,000 times stronger than the famous eruption of St. Helens volcano in 1980, which killed 57 people and scattered ashes over the entire country. Unlike ordinary volcanoes, supervolcanoes do not have a conical shape of the mountain, and they are represented by calderas, huge depressions that remained from previous eruptions. Essentially, all of Yellowstone is a giant caldera, ready to explode and destroy all of humanity. Experts estimate that the eruption of the Yellowstone volcano will kill 87,000 people at once, and the clouds of ash and gas will lead to incalculable consequences for the whole world.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy

A volcano in the Italian region of Campania last erupted in 1944, but, as a rule, the cycle of eruptions of this peak is 20 years, and it’s scary to imagine why it is “silent” so far. 3 million people live in relative proximity to a crater located just 8 km east of Naples. Actually, this is the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. And Vesuvius is the only volcano that erupted on the European continent over the past hundred years, and certainly it is known to the whole world after a powerful eruption in 79 AD, when hot lava buried the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico

The high, ice-covered peak of the volcano is located about 56 km from Mexico City. The area of ​​the volcano, which erupted more than 20 times since 1519, is home to more than 9 million people. Is it a joke? The last time Popocatepetl made itself felt in 2000, but, thank God, all 41,000 people from nearby cities were evacuated, which prevented a mass catastrophe.

Sakurajima Volcano, Japan

This stratovolcano in Japan was once on a separate island, but the lava flows after the eruption of 1914 connected the volcanic island with the main island. Many experts call Sakurajima the "Vesuvius of the East": every year it produces thousands of small explosions that disperse the ashes over the surrounding areas. Nevertheless, the eruptions can carry much more tragic consequences for the 700,000 inhabitants of Kagoshima, living a few kilometers from the volcano. The city even has special shelters where people can hide from falling stones from a volcano vent.

Galeras Volcano, Colombia

Located in southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador, the Galeras Volcano has been active for at least a million years, although the first recorded eruption dates back to 1580. Since 2000, the volcano erupts almost every year - very scary for the 450,000 residents of Pasto, located on the eastern slope of the mountain.

Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

Translated, "merapi" means "mountain of fire", and it is indeed the most active volcano in Indonesia, which has produced in general more lava than any other volcano in the world. Merapi erupts regularly since 1548, and it has been active for the last 10,000 years. Scientists believe that the activity of the volcano led to the death of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram. Currently, near the slopes of the fiery mountain is the city of Yogyakarta, where thousands of people live, and for their lives it is extremely scary, because lava flows tend to crawl 5-6 kilometers from the peak, although sometimes lava goes down to 12-13 kilometers . Moreover, the lava flows descend very quickly, at a speed of 110-112 km / h! In 2010, during the eruption of Merapi, 353 people died, and 320,000 local residents were left homeless.

Volcano Nyiragongo, Congo

Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes on the African continent. It is known for its large lava lakes in craters. Nyiragongo poses a great threat to nearby villages, because nowhere in the world are there any similar in size stratovolcanic lava lakes. From 1894 to 1977, the Nyiragongo summit crater was filled with lava and, when the crater walls finally cracked on January 10, 1977, the “lake” poured for an hour in huge burning streams rushing at a speed of about 100 km / hour. These streams quickly covered nearby villages, resulting in the death of several thousand people. In 2002, another strong eruption occurred, during which the lava flow even passed through the provincial capital Goma. Fortunately, almost all residents have already been evacuated, but, nevertheless, 147 people died, and 4,500 buildings were destroyed, leaving 120,000 people without shelter.

Volcano Olavun, Papua New Guinea

Since the 1700s, as many as 22 eruptions have occurred. The activity of this ogormnogo volcano can lead to a real catastrophe and devastation of about 100 square kilometers of adjacent land.

Volcanoes, for all their danger, are one of the most beautiful and majestic wonders of nature. Particularly beautiful are active volcanoes at night. But this beauty brings destruction to all around. Lava, volcanic bombs, pyroclastic flows consisting of incandescent volcanic gases, ash and stones can wipe out even large cities. Humanity managed to convince themselves of the incredible power of volcanoes during the infamous eruption of Vesuvius, which killed the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii and Stabiae. And there are many such examples in history.

The biggest volcanoes in the world - let's talk today about these dangerous, but beautiful giants. Our list includes volcanoes of various degrees of activity - from conventionally sleeping to active ones. The main criterion for selection was their value.

Height is 5 230 meters

Opens the ranking of the largest volcanoes on Earth active stratovolcano, located in Ecuador. Its height is 5230 meters. The summit of the volcano consists of three craters with a diameter of 50 to 100 meters. Sangay is one of the youngest and most turbulent volcanoes in South America. Its first eruption occurred in 1628. Last held in 2007. Now the volcanic activity of the giant from Equator is estimated as moderate. Tourists who visit the Sangay National Park, in which the volcano is located, can climb to its summit.

Height is 5 455 meters

On the 9th place among the largest volcanoes in the world -. It is located on the Mexican Highlands. The height of the volcano is 5455 meters. Even in a quiet state, the volcano is constantly shrouded in a cloud of gases and ash. Its danger lies in the fact that there are densely populated areas around the volcano, and Mexico City is located 60 kilometers away. The last eruption of a giant happened quite recently - on March 27, 2016, it threw away a kilometer-long ash column. The next day, Popocatepetl calmed down. In the event of a strong eruption of the Mexican giant, it will threaten the security of several million people.

Height 5,642 meters

There are big volcanoes in Europe. In the North Caucasus there is a stratovolcano, whose height is 5,642 meters. This is the highest peak of Russia. Elbrus is one of the seven highest mountain peaks of the planet. As for the activity of the giant, the opinion of scientists diverges. Some consider it an extinct volcano, and others - fading. Sometimes Elbrus becomes the center of small earthquakes. Somewhere on its surface sulfuric gases come out of cracks. Scientists who believe that Elbrus may wake up in the future, say that the nature of its eruption will be explosive.

Height is 5 675 meters

Seventh place in the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is the highest peak of Mexico. The height of the volcano is 5675 meters. The last time he erupted in 1687. Now Orizaba is considered a sleeping volcano. From its summit panoramic views are stunning in beauty. In order to protect the volcano, a reserve was created.

Height 5,822 meters

At 6 place in the list of the largest volcanoes located in the south of Peru. Its height is 5822 meters. Misty refers to the active volcanoes. The last time he erupted in 1985. In January 2016, an increase in fumarolic activity was observed on the volcano - steam and gas holes appeared. This is one of the signs of an impending eruption. In 1998, six Inca mummies were found near the inner crater of the volcano.

An interesting fact - many buildings in the city of Arequipa, located 17 kilometers from the volcano, are built of white sediments from the pyroclastic flows of Misty. Therefore, Arequipa is called the "White City".

Height is 5 895 meters

The fifth place among the largest volcanoes on the planet is occupied by the highest point of the African continent -. Scientists have concluded that this giant stratovolcano with a height of 5895 meters is potentially active. Now he periodically ejects gases and there is a possibility of the collapse of the crater of the volcano, which can provoke its eruption. There are no documentary evidence of Kilimanjaro activity, but there are legends of local residents, which speak of an eruption that occurred about 200 years ago.

Height 5,897 meters

In fourth place in the list of the largest volcanoes on Earth is - the second largest peak of Ecuador. This is an active volcano, whose height is 5897 meters. The first time its activity was recorded in 1534. Since then, volcanic eruptions have occurred more than 50 times. The last violent eruption of Kotpachi happened in August 2015.

Height 6,145 meters

Active stratovolcano, located in Chile, ranks 3rd among the largest volcanoes in the world. Its height is 6145 meters. The last eruption of the volcano occurred in 1960.

Height 4,205 meters

The second place among the largest volcanoes in the world is occupied by a volcano located on the Hawaiian Islands. In terms of volume, it is the largest volcano on Earth, containing more than 32 cubic kilometers of magma. Formed a giant more than 700 thousand years ago. Mauna Loa - active volcano. In 1984, its eruption lasted almost a month and caused great damage to local residents and the surrounding volcano.

Height 6 739 meters

In the first place among the largest volcanoes in the world is active starting volcano. It is located on the border of Argentina and Chile. Its height is 6739 meters. The last eruption of the giant took place in 1877. Now it is in the solfatar stage - from time to time the volcano gives off sulfur gases and water vapors. In 1952, at the first ascent of Lulagliaco, an ancient Inca sanctuary was found. Later, on the slopes of the volcano, archaeologists discovered three children's mummies. Most likely, they were sacrificed.

It is interesting. Yellowstone Caldera, the size of which is about 55 km to 72 km, is called supervolcano. It is located in Yellowstone National Park USA. The volcano was not active for 640 thousand years. Under its crater there is a bubble of magma with a depth of over 8 thousand meters. During its existence, supervolcano erupted three times. Each time it caused major cataclysms that change the face of the Earth at the site of the eruption. When supervolcano wakes up once again, it is impossible to predict. With confidence we can only say one thing: a cataclysm of this magnitude is able to bring our civilization to the brink.

Today, there are several hundred active volcanoes on our planet, among all this diversity there are both the most powerful and largest, and the highest. Each of the volcanoes has one important characteristic that unites them all - they have great potential and power. Volcanoes stately rise above the earth from several hundred to several thousand meters above the ground.

In addition, volcanoes have two unpleasant characteristics - they are very dangerous and unpredictable.

MOST LARGE VOLCANOES

Probably you can safely say that the most massive among their relatives in the whole world is located in Hawaii and having the name Mauna Loa. Indeed, it can be called a real giant, and it occupies a huge area in the Hawaiian Islands. Firstly, this volcano can frighten anyone with its gigantic size, and secondly, today it is the most active volcano in the world. The first recorded Mauna Loa eruption occurred in 1843, since that time 43 such eruptions have been counted.

The last time a fairly powerful eruption occurred in the twentieth century, namely: in 1984. It was then that a huge amount of lava spilled out of the volcano's mouth, it covered an area of ​​more than 12 thousand hectares of land. Also, the frozen lava significantly increased the area of ​​the island itself. Mauna Loa rises above the sea level by 4170 meters, while not forgetting that the volcano goes under water for the same distance. Therefore, if you combine the height above the level and the depth below the sea level, it turns out that this particular volcano is the highest, and also that it is the largest mountain on the planet. By this sums indicator, Mauna Loa even surpasses the famous Jomalungmu.

Among a large number of scientists there is an opinion that on Earth the most massive volcano should be considered Lulagliaco, and we are talking about volcanoes that are currently active. This volcano is located in the Andes, and more specifically, among the Argentinean and Chilean Andes. Lullaigliaco has a height of 6723 meters, the last time he woke up in 1877, but all the locals remembered this eruption.

volcano lulaillaico

But there is disagreement among scholars about which of the volcanoes should be called the largest. For example, some believe that the highest and largest volcano is located in South America, near the equator. It means in fact a huge volcano and it is called Cotopaxi, whose height is 5879 meters. Despite the lower altitude than Lulagliaco, the Cotopaxi volcano has a richer history of eruptions, the last time it happened in 1942.

cotopaxi volcano

And if Cotopaxi cannot be called the largest volcano on Earth, then the epithet “the most beautiful” he definitely deserves. Judge for yourself - at the foot there is just an abundance of green vegetation in the tropical jungle, and the top of the volcano is covered by a white snow cap. Of course, as with the whole family of volcanoes, Cotopaxi is also quite dangerous, since during the entire observation period he had woken more than a dozen times and spewed a huge amount of lava from his mouth. In one of these eruptions, the city of Latacunga was completely destroyed.

MOST HIGH VOLCANO

If we talk about such a characteristic as height, then the highest of all volcanoes on Earth is Ojos del Salado. This volcano is located between two states - Chile and Argentina. Translated from the Spanish language, it is translated as "salty tears". The height of this volcano is 6890 meters above sea level, with the highest peak located in Chilean territory. This can not please the citizens of Chile, moreover, they are proud of the presence of such a high volcano in their country.

Various scientists conducted a large number of expeditions to this volcano, carried out a lot of research there and ultimately came to the unanimous opinion that Ojos del Salado did not erupt once. More specifically, this is the last two million years. Despite the fact that the volcano is in a dormant state, most recently, in 1993, it released into the atmosphere a large amount of sulfur and water vapor. Therefore, it is not only the highest volcano on the planet, but also the most tranquil to date.

THE MOST IMPORTANT DESTRUCTION OF A VOLCANO

The most powerful eruption of a volcano, documentary information about which has survived to our days, is an eruption near the capital of Indonesia - proud of Jakarta. All the fear and power of the volcano, its people felt on themselves. The tragic events took place back in 1883, just then, on May 20, a local volcano called Krakatau woke up. At first, the eruption was manifested by strong tremors, the earth literally walked. It is worth noting that Krakatau itself from Jakarta is located at a distance of 50 kilometers. Actually, within three months, from time to time, tremors of various forces occurred, but the worst began on August 27, it was on that day that Krakatau really awoke.

It began with the terrible force of the explosion, it was even heard by those who were 5 thousand kilometers from the volcano. Further, a huge ash cloud rose into the sky, and the volcano threw it to a height of 30 kilometers. If we talk about the gas-ash column, it flew to the mesosphere itself. Further, an explosion was sounded deafening; today it corresponds to a strength of 6 points. For a long time, the ash has covered almost the entire territory of Indonesia. A terrible force explosion provoked the emergence of a destructive tsunami, the effects of which killed 37,000 people in one day. Some eyewitnesses claimed that in some areas the wave reached a height of 30 meters.

In the end result, a volcanic eruption completely destroyed 165 villages and cities. Huge clouds of volcanic ash for several years subsided throughout the Earth and influenced the climate throughout the planet for two years.

19.02.2014

In countries where there are volcanoes, for example in Indonesia, they are located in major provinces such as West Java, East Java or Central Java. One of the worst disasters is the eruption of a volcano that can take hundreds or even thousands of lives. It is impossible to forget about the eruption of the volcano Krakatau, the enormous damage and thousands of victims. And here we present a list most dangerous and active volcanoes in the world.

№ 10. Hawaii, Mauna Loa Volcano

Mauna Loa is one of the five mountains that make up the island of Hawaii. Despite the fact that it is not the highest mountain, a volcanic eruption presents a high danger, since its lava basically has a liquid consistency, which can lead to serious fires. Mauna Loa is the largest volcano in the world (in terms of volume and area), taking into account the volume of lava, it reaches 18,000 cubic miles. The last eruption occurred on April 15, 1984.

№ 9. Philippines, Taal Volcano

Approximately 50 km (31 miles) from the capital Manila is located one of most dangerous volcanoesTaal This mountain is an island on Lake Taal, which is located inside the caldera, formed as a result of very strong previous eruptions (this process is similar to Lake Toba). Taal Volcano is a complex of volcanoes on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Strong eruptions of this volcano occurred several times, including one of the most powerful eruptions, which claimed more than a thousand people.

№ 8. Papua New Guinea, Wlavun Volcano

Olavun Volcano is located in Papua New Guinea, on the Bismarck Archipelago, and is one of most active and dangerous volcanoes New Guinea. Several eruptions were recorded, one of the strongest in 1980, a column of ash erupting from Olavun reached 60,000 feet in height, and its pyroclastic flows swept mountains from all sides.

№ 7. Congo, Nyiragongo Volcano

Since 1882, he has erupted at least 34 times. One of the worst eruptions occurred on September 17, 2002, when lava that flowed down the slopes of Nyiragongo covered about 40% of the city of Goma and left almost 120,000 people homeless. Nyiragongo - one of most active volcanoes  in Africa, its activity never stops.

No. 6. Indonesia, Merapi Volcano

Mount Merapi is a conical volcano located in Indonesia on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. Most of the eruption of Merapi, including lava continues to descend, from time to time accompanied by hot smoke, capable of spreading at speeds of up to 120 km per hour. This is the most active and dangerous volcanoes  in Indonesia, they became active 10,000 years ago, and since 1548 their activity has not stopped.

№ 5. Colombia, Galeras Volcano

This mountain the most active volcano  in Colombia. Since 2000, its eruptions have occurred almost every year. This is dangerous because eruption frequency is unpredictable. Galeras Volcano is active for at least a million years. Its location near the South Colombian border with Ecuador could lead to the descent of hot lava on the slope of the Galeras mountain at 3.5 km. The last eruption on January 3, 2010 forced the government to evacuate 8,000 people.

No. 4. Japan, Sakurajima Volcano

Sakurajima Volcano is located on Kyushu Island in Japan and is one of most dangerous volcanoes. March 10, 2009 there was a terrible eruption, when the volcano threw stones and other rocks to a distance of 2 miles. The intensity of the eruption of Sakurajima is one of the strongest, not only in Japan but also in the world. Over the past 45 years, 73 eruptions have been recorded.

№ 3. Mexico, Popocatepetl volcano

The active volcano Popocatepetl is located at an altitude of 5426 meters above sea level. Since December 1994, the dangerous activity of the volcano continued until, in 2000, there was such a powerful eruption, which is only known to history. Since 1519, 20 eruptions have been recorded. The explosion was so strong that it threw the ashes over a fairly long distance.

№ 2. Italy, the volcano Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, about 9 miles east of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is the only volcano in Europe that has erupted in the last 100 years. This volcano could explode at any time and severely punish people living in its vicinity. The eruption of lava from the volcano can reach a great height, so in March 1994, the lava splashed to a height of 1000 meters. The famous eruption of 79 destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

No. 1. USA, Yellowstone Volcano

Yellowstone Volcano - the most dangerous and active volcano in the world. Thrown out of this volcano, rocks and rocks can spread over a distance of up to 1000 km. The volcanic eruption of lava and ash of this mountain threatens the extinction of the living and can cause mass disaster, because it will entail other volcanic activities, determined by tectonic fluctuations that will cause other explosions.

Volcanoes are one of the most unique geological formations, and if you abstract away from the danger that they sometimes carry to humanity, they amaze with their grandeur and beauty.

Dangerous, but such attractive, volcanoes formed over cracks in the crust millions of years ago. In active volcanoes magma comes to the surface, forming volcanic lava, sweeping away everything in its path.

Even if they were not evidenced in the history of facts, but the danger that volcanoes pose to man, the most ancient ancestors of the people faced as early as the Late Paleolithic, the era of the formation of the earth's surface. The ancient Greeks gave the name of the god Vulcan to the smoking and heat-breathing mountains.
  From ancient history came to us and evidence of the first tragedies associated with volcanic eruptions. The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum died under lava and volcanic ash.

The science that studies volcanoes, divides them into active volcanoes, sleeping and extinct. Consider the largest representatives of this geological wonder of nature.

Sangay

The unique volcano, located on the slope of the Andes, in Ecuador, has on its top three craters with a diameter of 50 to 100 meters. The height of the volcano above sea level is 5230 meters.

Sangay is a young and restless volcano. Volcanologists on geological sediments suggest that the volcano formed about 14,000 years ago. They began to observe this volcano since 1628, the first eruption of the Sangay volcano recorded in history relates to this year.

The last two eruptions occurred in 2007 and 2016.

During periods of calm of the volcano, tourists visiting the Ecuador National Park of the same name can climb to the top and consider the craters in detail.

"Smoking Hill" is translated as the name of this volcano from the Aztec language Naunatl. The volcano is located on the Mexican Highlands and Popocatepetla is 5455 meters.

The volcano fully confirms its name. Even in a quiet state around its top is shrouded in a cloud of ash and gas. Next to the volcano is the extinct volcano Istaxiuatl. Popocatepetl and Istaxihuatl became heroes of the Aztec heroic epic.

Despite the danger, densely populated villages and cities spread around the volcano. Some villages are located directly on the slopes of the volcano, and residents are constantly lurking danger.

One-day eruption occurred on March 27, 2016. The volcano threw a kilometer-long column of smoke and ash into the sky and calmed down.
  Spanish conquistador Diego de Ordaz, who made his ascent to Popocatepetl, ordered that the volcano be inscribed on its clan coat of arms.

Elbrus is the highest mountain peak not only in Russia, but also in the European continent. The height of this stratovolcano is 5642 meters. According to the high-rise indicator, Elbrus is in the top 7 of the highest peaks of the planet.

The description of the peak is found among the ancient geographers and historians of Asia and Europe. Most likely, the name of the volcano Al-Borji came to us from Persian, which means "uplifting."

Scientists attribute Elbrus to extinct volcanoes, but earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions sometimes occur on its slopes. This circumstance gives grounds for some scientists-volcanists to classify a volcano as fading.

Around the mound is widely developed tourist infrastructure. For the convenience of tourists a lot of tourist bases, shelters for climbers and viewing platforms. The first ascent to the summit took place back in 1829. Today, every world climber dreams of conquering Elbrus.

Mexico’s highest peak is the volcano Orizaba. Locals also call the volcano Sitlaltepetl, which means "Star Mountain". Indeed, the height of the volcano 6636 meters can be attributed to the star category.

The greatest activity of the volcano recorded in the Middle Ages. From 1569 to 1630, there were 7 strongest eruptions. The last happened in 1687.

Orizaba belongs to the sleeping volcanoes and is a place of pilgrimage for tourists from around the world. In order to preserve the unique volcano and nature around the mountains, the authorities of Mexico created a reserve.

Misty

The height of the Peruvian volcano Misti is 5822 meters. Because of this height, the top of the volcano is covered with snow.

Misty refers to active volcanoes, the last major eruption occurred in 1985. The uniqueness of the volcano in its structure. Misty has three concentric craters. In the inner crater, scientists note little activity.

Historical sources testified that the powerful eruption of the volcano in the 16th century forced the residents of the city of Arequipa to flee. But the mountain helps people. Many buildings of Arequipa ("White City") are built of volcanic volcanic deposits, which are white in color.

On the slopes of the volcano are archaeological research. In 1997, 6 Incan mummies were discovered and investigated. Perhaps these are the sacrifices made by the tribesmen to the fire-breathing Misty.

The highest peak of the African continent is Kilimanjaro volcano. The height of this cone-shaped volcano is 5895 meters.

Until 1918, the mountain was called the “Kaiser Wilhelm Top”, but with the fall of the German Empire, it was renamed. Scientists consider the volcano to be potentially active, but, interestingly, in the history of e not one of its eruptions. Ethnographers and historians. Studying local tales and legends, they helped volcanists to study a volcano. From the legends it became clear. That the volcanic activity of Kilimanjaro occurred about 150,000 -200,000 years ago.

Interestingly, the Masai Plateau, on which the volcano is located, is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. What makes the summit even greater.

The first to mention the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro was Ptolemy, who brought a volcano to his maps in the 2nd century BC. In the New Age, the German Johannes Rebman on May 11, 1848, re-discovered the volcano to the world.

Like Elbrus, Kilimanjaro is popular with climbers all over the world. It is interesting that when climbing to the top, the climber crosses seven climatic zones. Despite the fact that the volcano is located on the hottest continent of the Earth, glaciers have formed on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Another volcano, Cotopaxi, is located among the Andes; in the language of local ethnic groups it is translated as “Brilliant Mountain”. The height of this volcano is 5911 meters. This is the second highest peak in Ecuador.

This is a rather active volcano. Since the end of the 18th century, more than 50 volcanic eruptions of varying intensity have been recorded. As the sources recorded, the most devastating eruption of a volcano in the history of its existence was the release of ash, sulfur and magma in 1768. The products of the eruption have spread within a radius of 100 kilometers from the volcano.

Since 1940, the volcano has not been active, but in 2015 a strong volcano erupted. Cotopaxi ranks among the highest active mounds of the planet Earth.

San pedro

Another active volcano in South America with a height of 6145 meters is located on the border of Chile and Bolivia.

Watch the volcano San Pedro became relatively recently, at the beginning of the last century. In 1903, the French-Chilean expedition for the first time documented a volcanic eruption that occurred on July 16. In 1960, the volcano showed its last activity.

The volcano forms a peculiar complex, connecting with a high saddle with its eldest twin-volcano San Pablo, with a height of 6092 meters.

Mauna loa

Mauna Loa compared to other relatively low, the summit of the volcano is located at an altitude of 4169 meters above sea level. But it is this volcano that is the largest volcano in the world in its height. The thing is that its foot is deep under water. From the foot of the volcano to the top of more than 10 km, which significantly exceeds the height of the highest mountain on Earth - Everest.

In addition, Mauna Loa is one of the largest volcanoes in terms of the area and volume of its foot. Megavulcan, located on the island of Hawaii, has a volume, including its marine part, 75,000 km³.

This largest volcano was formed about 700 thousand years ago and remains an active volcano until today. Since 1832, 39 eruptions were recorded. One of the last eruptions in 1984 lasted a whole month.

In order to study and monitor the activity of the volcano, the Volcanic Station was created in 1912. Her workers concluded that the world was not in danger of a volcano exploding.

Interesting legends associated with Mauna Loa and, located near the volcano Manua Kea. Aborigines believe that Manua Loa is one of the two sisters of Pele volcanoes. The second sister of Mauna Kea constantly competes with her sister, therefore strong winds constantly blow between the volcanoes.

In the driest place on Earth, on the border of Chile and Argentina, is located the largest volcano, Lullaigliaco. The height of the volcano with a sole 6739 meters. Geographical accounting statistics tell us that Ljulillaco is the highest active volcano and the second highest of all volcanoes in the world.
  Now the volcano is relatively calm, only occasionally releasing clouds of vapor and sulfur dioxide from its depths. The last major eruption was recorded in 1877.

In 1952, climbers made the first attempt to climb the volcano. During the climb, climbers discovered an ancient Inca sanctuary. Archaeologists gathered on the volcano. During the archaeological work in 1999, 3 graves of children’s mummies were discovered, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years. As in most cases of similar discoveries, the children were slaughtered below and transferred to the volcano as a sacrifice to the gods. The age of the find is about 500 years.

The most famous volcanoes in human history cannot be ignored. From school, we heard about such volcanoes as Mount Vesuvius, Fujiyama and Etna.

Vesuvius is an active volcano located in southern Italy. Its height is 1281 meters.

Nothing remarkable if it were not for the eruption of Vesuvius on August 24, 79, when magma and ash completely covered and destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis and Villa Stabiae. Volcanic ash canned time. Now during the excavations, scientists receive unique information about the life and life of a person of Roman time.

Since the year 79, 68 eruptions of a different nature have taken place: from explosives to just the release of steam from the crater and crevices on the slopes of Vesuvius.

One of the most beautiful mountains on Earth. The snowy summit and regular, conical, gentle outlines of the volcano made it the most recognizable in the world.
  Fuji is also a valid stratovolcano with a height of 3776 meters. The last eruption was recorded in 1707-1708.

The mountain is an object of worship and veneration not only among the Japanese, but also from the Buddhists of the whole world. Tourists from all over the world travel thousands of kilometers to admire this wonder of nature. In July and August, the snow comes down from the slopes of Fuji, and then the pilgrims attempt to climb the volcano.
  Fujiyama is sung in verse, prose. Became a natural hero of many movies.

Etna Volcano is known for being the highest active volcano in Europe, excluding the Caucasian peaks. The height of Etna is 3329 meters.

On the slopes of Etna there are more than 300 craters, of which once every three months steam comes out from the depths of the volcano and lava erupts. If you look at the history and geological deposits at the base of the volcano, it is proved that the first eruptions of Etna began about 500,000 years ago.

The last eruption occurred in 2016. Due to the eruption of Etna, authorities, for security reasons, evacuate the population and close the airports in southern Italy.

Recently, Eyjafjallaidekull volcano, located on the island of Iceland, has become very popular. Iceland's sixth largest volcano.
  Despite its difficult to pronounce name and small size, this volcano is known to all the inhabitants of the world. The last eruption of 2010, a volcano, which was accompanied by a large release of steam and ash, paralyzed air traffic throughout Europe and North Africa.

By the way, the eruption of 2010 melted the glaciers in the crater of the volcano, which formed there in ancient times.

The highest volcano in the Land of Ojos del Salado is located in the Andes. Its height is 6893 meters. Translated from the Spanish name of the volcano "Salty eyes".

Over the entire period of observation of the volcano, not a single eruption was recorded, so the volcano is considered extinct. But in the early to mid-twentieth century, small emissions of steam were observed.

In 1937, Polish climbers conquered the summit of the volcano. And on April 21, 2007, the Chilean racer Gonzalo Bravo, by car, Suzuki Samurai climbed the slope of the volcano to an altitude of 6688 meters, which was an absolute world record.

Yellowstone Caldera

Unlike other volcanoes, the Yellowstone Caldera is a supervolcano. This definition has been fixed to the volcano since 2000. This is not a volcano in our usual sense, but a volcanic depression, where the smallest distance of the magma in relation to the surface of the earth is observed. Simply put, this volcano is underground and a bubble of magma more than 8 thousand meters deep is conserved in it.

Yellowstone Volcano is located in the northwestern United States in the eponymous park. The dimensions of the basin are 55 by 72 km.

In recent years, Yellowstone Supervolcano has been the subject of active discussion in the scientific world. The reason is that the volcano was not active 620 thousand years, and now there are signs of the awakening of Yellowstone. Previous eruptions drastically changed the appearance of the Earth and significantly changed the climate and conditions of existence of flora and fauna.

Scientists do not give an accurate answer when the volcano wakes up. But if this happens, its eruption can put on the edge of the existence of all life on our planet.

Tamu array

The place, which used to be considered simply an elevation at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, in 2013 caused a stir in the scientific community. This "elevation" was the largest underwater volcano on Earth. This is a special type of volcano, called the thyroid. The slopes of such volcanoes are rather gentle, do not exceed 6-8 °. And the slopes of Tamu generally have a slope of about 1 °.

It is located 1.6 thousand km east of the coast of Japan and hides under a two-kilometer water column. The height of this extinct supervolcano is 4.5 km. from the foot to the top, but it has a very impressive area and volume.

Its area is about 260,000 km ², which is comparable to the area of ​​such countries as New Zealand and Great Britain, and considerably exceeds the area of ​​Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Syria and Tunisia.

In terms of area and volume, the Tamu volcano can be compared to the Martian record holder Olympus, which today is the highest known volcano in the solar system.

Scientists believe that the Tamu volcano died out more than 140 million years ago, relatively briefly showing activity. But the scientific community does not exclude that other similar volcanoes may be found on our planet in the future.

Conclusion

On Earth there are hundreds of active and extinct volcanoes. Some of their eruptions are dangerous for the population living at its foot, others have long been extinguished and became objects of tourist pilgrimage. Anyway, volcanoes are the most unique and unusual natural formations on the earth's surface.

It seems that Mankind has unraveled all the secrets that volcanoes keep in themselves, but each time, being active, they appear before us in a new light, never ceasing to amaze with their abilities and power, capable of destroying all life on earth.

Authors of the article: Valery Skiba, Alexey Shcherbakov